Wanting to buy a new Telly for the family room , just saw a 52" Panasonic at a restaraunt but not sure what it was (rear , front projection, lcd , led etc etc etc whats good ? its a small room and we set close and to the side , want to be in the 48 ish size and wall mount , any thoughts Thanks Tom

Plasma or LED is your best bet. I prefer plasma. I have a Panasonic G-10 and love it. In my opinion plasma looks better and has better blacks.

Hows the off center  views (I set square in front) but the rooms small son guests' get the "ends" 

I have a Samsung LCD that has a great picture from any angle!  Just be sure to go 1080P and you'll get a great picture with the LCD, LED or Plasma.

Big discussion on this a while back of at RDP.   One thing I learned about all of them is that they are like motors.   They all come programmed to give the best picture IN THE STORE straight from the box.    You have to pay extra for someone to electronically tune them to your specific conditions at home.   They say it is well worth the $2-300 to have it done.
Shop Costco, if you don't like it you will have no problems with returning it.

Plasma is more expensive to service and the picture is no better. Unless you are ridiculous about your tv programs and movies I wouldn't go too far with expense. Every $500 up only changes the picture a little bit. Besides, do you really want to see just how ugly the porn chicks actually are?